A Just For Laughs showcase is an event where up-and-coming comedians perform their stand-up routines in front of entertainment industry professionals, with the goal of getting noticed and furthering their comedy careers. The Just For Laughs comedy festival, held annually in Montreal, Canada, features these showcases as a major part of its programming.
Overview of Just For Laughs Festival and Showcases
The Just For Laughs festival was founded in 1983 and has grown to become one of the biggest and most prestigious comedy events in the world. It spans several days in July and consists of stand-up shows, improv performances, TV tapings, panels, podcast recordings, and more. The festival attracts over 2 million spectators each year.
Within the festival, the New Faces and New Faces Unrepped showcases are seen as critical launching pads for up-and-coming comedians. They provide exposure to the comedy elite – famous comedians, agents, network executives, casting directors, and managers attend the showcases every year searching for new talent.
New Faces Showcase
The New Faces showcase features stand-up comedians who have some experience on the comedy circuit, but are not yet well known in the industry. To perform in New Faces, comedians typically submit video applications and go through a competitive selection process.
New Faces is held at a large theater and consists of sets from multiple comedians, each doing 10-15 minutes. Some key details about New Faces:
- Occurs over 3 nights
- Features 4-5 comedians per night
- Total of around 15 comedians overall
- Comedians have typically been doing stand-up for 3-7 years
- Many have TV credits and other festival experience
- Sets are not televised or recorded
New Faces provides invaluable exposure and buzz for up-and-coming stand-ups. Several huge comedy stars like Jimmy Fallon, Amy Schumer, Ali Wong, and Kumail Nanjiani participated in New Faces early in their careers.
New Faces Unrepped Showcase
New Faces Unrepped provides a showcase opportunity for comedians who do not yet have managers or agents. The eligibility requirements are:
- Must not be registered with any agency or management company
- Less than 2 years experience as a full-time stand-up comedian
New Faces Unrepped follows a similar format to New Faces, with a dozen or so comedians each performing 10-15 minute sets over 3 nights. Some comedians use outstanding performances in this showcase as a springboard to get signed by an agent or manager.
Benefits of Performing at Just For Laughs
There are many potential benefits for comedians who get to perform in the New Faces or New Faces Unrepped showcases:
- Industry exposure – agents, managers, network executives, and casting directors are all eagerly watching
- Festival buzz and credibility
- Valuable feedback on their act and material
- Networking opportunities
- Possible TV opportunities on late night shows or comedy festivals
- Getting signed by an agent or manager
Performing a great set at a Just For Laughs showcase can truly be a career-defining moment for an up-and-coming comedian. Even one killer joke or routine can generate some viral online buzz.
Selection Process
To perform at a Just For Laughs showcase, comedians must go through a competitive application and selection process. Here are some key details on how it works:
- Applications open in January – comedians submit online applications including biographical info, credits, video links, etc.
- Select comedians are chosen and notified in March/April
- Anywhere from 500-800 apply for about 30 showcase spots total
- Established industry members provide recommendations and referrals
- Final selections made by festival producers and comedy bookers
Just For Laughs receives far more showcase applications than they can accommodate, so the selection process is very rigorous. The festival looks for stand-ups with original perspectives, tight material, stage presence, and the potential to break out.
Costs
For comedians performing in a showcase, Just For Laughs covers travel and lodging expenses for the festival. However, there are some other costs to consider:
- No performer fees are provided
- Comedians must join the union ACTRA before performing
- Joining ACTRA costs around $1600 in initiation fees
- Comedians must handle their own transportation to Montreal
There are also opportunity costs – comedians must clear their schedule and miss paid gigs to attend the festival.
However, for most the benefits of performing at Just For Laughs far outweigh the costs. The exposure can truly accelerate a comedy career.
Comedians Who Got Their Start at Just For Laughs
Here are some top comedians who had their big break performing at Just For Laughs:
| Comedian | Early Credit | Current Success |
|---|---|---|
| Jimmy Fallon | New Faces 1998 | Host of The Tonight Show |
| Amy Schumer | New Faces 2007 | Emmy winning comedian & actress |
| Russell Peters | New Faces Unrepped 1996 | One of the highest grossing stand-ups |
| Ali Wong | New Faces 2005 | Netflix specials, Always Be My Maybe |
| Gabriel Iglesias | New Faces 2000 | Sold out arena tours |
| Kumail Nanjiani | New Faces 2007 | Silicon Valley star & Oscar nominee |
As you can see, Just For Laughs showcases have helped launch the careers of many of today’s top comedic talents. An outstanding performance at the festival generates buzz that provides comedians momentum going forward.
Preparing for a Just For Laughs Showcase
For comedians invited to perform in a Just For Laughs showcase, meticulous preparation is key. Here are some tips:
- Tighten material – Hone 5-10 minutes of killer material. Focus only on very best jokes.
- Practice extensively – Rehearse set countless times to polish delivery and timing.
- Stage presence – Have animated facial expressions and confident body language.
- Promote yourself – Have professional headshots, bios, resumes ready to share.
- Network – Attend festival events to connect with influential comedy figures.
- Act professionally – Be polite, prompt, and gracious in all interactions backstage.
With meticulous preparation and a polished, tight set showcasing their funniest material, comedians can maximize the opportunity a Just For Laughs showcase provides.
Conclusion
Performing at a Just For Laughs New Faces or New Faces Unrepped showcase is a huge opportunity for up-and-coming comedians. It provides invaluable exposure to influential industry decision makers that can truly accelerate careers. A strong set at Just For Laughs generates buzz and credibility. Many top comedians today got their first major break at Just For Laughs. Preparing thoroughly and putting together a fantastic set is key to making the most of this momentous opportunity.
